Many individuals, especially those living in low-income communities and communities of color, face the challenge of access to healthy foods that support eating patterns. This has been a persistent issue for Robeson County, North Carolina. Research suggests that healthy food choices such as eating fruits and vegetables have nutritional, physical, and mental health benefits. However, there are barriers and disparities in the accessibility and availability of foods that support healthy eating patterns. In recognition of this, an Accountable Care Community plan was established to implement public health policy and program to limit barriers and improve access to healthy foods. The proposed policy involves expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Electronic Benefit Transfer benefits at the Robeson County Farmers Market. The proposed program consists of expanding the same benefits to be accessible to purchase Robeson County Farmers Market Community Supported Agriculture’s produce box.
For this summary, the phrase “access to foods that support healthy eating patterns” is interchangeable with “access to healthy foods.”Master of Public Healt
